[1] The village's Kalaallisut name is a translation of the Danish meaning "Sunny Side", in reference to its position relative to Livets Top.

[3] Recent DNA samples from human hair suggest that the ancient Saqqaq people came from Siberia around 3,500 BCE and independent of the migration that gave rise to the modern Native Americans and the Inuit.

[4][5] On 21 November 2000 a large landslide at Paatuut, 40 kilometres (22 nmi; 25 mi) from Saqqaq, generated a megatsunami in Sullorsuaq (or Vaigat) Strait.

Energy from the tsunami refracted after it struck Disko Island across the strait, generating a wave with a run-up height of 3 metres (9.8 ft) which destroyed boats at Saqqaq.

[6] Air Greenland serves the village as part of government contract, with winter-only helicopter flights between Saqqaq Heliport and Ilulissat Airport.